10 Reasons We Love… WES CRAVEN

One of our favorite things to do on SisterGeeks, is write our 10 Reasons. Usually, they’re a silly ode to some show we love or a guy we think is “super hot”. But today, I’ll be honoring an all around fantastic gentleman- Mr. Wes Craven.

1. The Scream Franchise

Scream has to be one of my all time favorite films. It’s one I can watch again and again. As I come back to it over the years, viewing it through new eyes, my fears change- my experience changes. And I do have to say, he hits on fears that will effect you at all stages of your life. If you’d like to hear more of my praises for this franchise, check out 10 Reasons We Love… Scream.

2. Freddy Krueger

Ahh, Freddy. You still give me nightmares. Craven designed Krueger based on childhood memories, fears, and (funnily) his cat. And as one of the longest running franchises in the horror industry, Nightmare on Elm Street is probably Mr. Craven’s best known work, if not his best in quality.

3. Cult Classics from the 70’s to the 00’s

Craven wrote and/or directed a long list of films that paved the way for modern horror. These titles include Last House on the Left, Swamp Thing, The Hills Have Eyes, The Serpent and the Rainbow, The People Under the Stairs, and Vampire in Brooklyn. Not to mention more modern classics such as My Soul to Take and remakes of all of his original classics.

4. Red Eye

Relevant. Sexy. Intense.

These are just a few words I’d use to describe Red Eye, which Craven wrote for an America afraid and in the midst of fighting a war on terror. Rachel McAdams plays gorgeous and afraid, but believable when she fights back. Cillian Murphy is devilishly handsome and simultaneously terrifying. The two work wonderfully against one another in this airborne terrorist thriller.

5. He wrote a badass comic too.

Coming of Rage is co-written with Steve Niles who wrote the 30 Days of Night comics. Who wouldn’t be interested in the story of a vampire, a werewolf and a zombie all trying to get by in a modern world? Stay tuned for information regarding the upcoming TV series based on the comic.

6. He could step outside of horror, and do it well.

Music of the Heart was Craven’s only film to receive an academy award nomination, of which it got two. One for best actress- Meryl Streep. And one for best original song- “Music of My Heart”. This and Paris, je t’aime are the only times Craven stepped out of his creepy comfort zone to direct.

8. Surprisingly, for all his nightmarish vision, he came from a mild background.

Mr. Craven was born and raised Baptist in Cleveland, Ohio, claiming he felt isolated and did not see his first movie until college. From there he got his film chops in the adult film industry. It was during that time that he wrote and directed his first film, Last House on the Left.

9. He was a really nice guy.

He was strong advocate for the Audubon Society- a group dedicated to educating people about birds, bird watching, and protecting wildlife. And he really wanted people to care about birds.

Mr. Craven also had tons of friends in the film industry who took to Twitter with nothing but nice things to say about him after he passed.

Whether it be the shock value, the self-reflective style, or simply the iconic image of a burned man with razor fingers- Wes Craven’s films defined their generation. And for that, he will never be forgotten. We love you, Wes!

What will you miss most about film legend, Wes Craven? Let us know in the comments.

15 thoughts on “10 Reasons We Love… WES CRAVEN”

Thank you. I should have made a #11 about how intelligent he was. The man had a Masters in Philosophy and Writing. He was an English professor for crying out loud. He was just all around awesome. Love the guy.